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- Recent Talks and Workshops -
 

Joe Mannath has conducted many seminars for educators, clergy and religious leadership, as well as for formators and other members of Catholic religious orders. The sessions generally touch upon psycho-spiritual development, community building and current issues facing religious leaders. What follows is a partial list. .
 

►  For Various Groups Around the World

2004-2008:

Listed below are some of the short courses and seminars I offered between 2004 and 2008, in addition to my normal load of classes, guiding research, at the state University of Madras (India) and at Don Bosco Renewal Centre, Bangalore (India)

2008:

March 7-9: A seminar on “Psycho-sexual Integration and Celibacy” for the Catholic religious of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore (India)

June 2-6: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. A short course on “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”

June 14-15: Retreat for Lay Ministers of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Cardinal Stritch Retreat House, Mundelein, IL.

July 5-6: Consultation to prepare a web-based training programme for teachers in Salesian schools, on Don Bosco’s educational system.

July 9-12: A seminar for superiors of religious communities on religious leadership. Ishwani Kendra (Institute of Missiology and Communications), Pune (India)

October 17: Present a paper, “Philosophy: Exposing Our Minds to the Great Minds of History” at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Salesian College, Yercaud, S. India.

November: Co-ordinate a month-long programme for formators of religious congregations. Bangalore (India).

2007:

Jan 2: “Challenges facing religious life in India today”: Two talks to the major superiors of the SFS congregation. Bangalore.

March 12-17: A seminar on religious leadership to the superiors of the Medical Mission Sisters. Patna (India)

July 9-12: Retreats International, Chicago: A short course on Christian Spirituality.

August 29: Presented a paper on “Jesus’ Story and Our Story (The Psychology of Story-telling)” at the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre, Bangalore.

2006:
January 2-5: Helped to edit the papers presented at the research seminar on “One Hundred Years of Salesian Presence in India (1906-2006). Bangalore.

June 5-16: Catholic Theological Union. Two short courses on: (1) Christian Spirituality; (2) Being Christian, Being Catholic: The Essentials and the Non-Essentials.

August 16-19: Seminar on religious formation for the formators of religious in the state of West Bengal (India)

August 21-24: Seminar for religious superiors on the various aspects of community leadership today.

September 10-12: Seminar on formation for the religious formation of central India. Bhopal (India)

December 4-16: Coordinate a training programme on spiritual direction for religious and clergy. Bangalore (India)

2005:

June: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago: Three courses on: (1) Postmodernism: An Introduction; (2) Stories to Live By; (3) Christian Spirituality.

July: Retreats International (at Loyola University, Chicago): A short course on Spirituality.

August 17-18: A seminar on interpersonal relationships for the Catholic bishops and priests of four  North Indian States.

October 2: Addressed the Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India on the theme, “Pluralism in Psychology”

2004:

January 15: Conference of Catholic Colleges of Karnataka State (India): Gave a talk on “Moral and Spiritual Aspects of Higher Education”

June: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago: Three short courses: (1) Psychology of Religion; (2) The Things that Matter; (3) Mahatma Gandhi.

August 9-11: Indian Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore (India): Classes on “Psycho-spiritual Integration and Celibacy”

October 22-23: Gave the keynote address on “Youth Ministry: An Integral Vision” at the national assembly of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, in Bhopal (India)

November 4: Took part in the consultation to prepare for the meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India on “Education and Empowerment of the Marginalized.”

1. “The Things that Matter: A Look at Life’s Essentials”:
   A course at the Summer Institute,
   Venue: Catholic Theological Union. Chicago,
   June 10-14, 2002.
    

2. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”:
   A course at the summer Institute.
   Venue: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago,
   June 3-7, 2002.
    

3. “Learning to Love, Learning to Forgive:”
   A seminar open to all.
   Venue: Berkeley, California,
   June 1, 2002.
    

4. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”:
   A seminar open to all.
   Venue: Berkeley, California,
   May 28-31, 2002.
    

5. “How to Face Criticism”:
   A talk to the Bishop and Clergy of the Marthoma Diocese of Chennai.
   Venue: Chennai,
   August 22, 2001
    

6. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”:
   A course at the Summer Institute.
   Venue: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago,
   June 11-15, 2001
    

7. Three Sessions:
   1. “Christian Forgiveness: Meaning and Practice”; 2. “Elements of a Realistic Spirituality for Today”;
   3. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying.”
   Department of Catechetics and Religious Education, St. Irenaeus Church, Rochester Hills, Michigan (USA):
   Venue: Rochester Hills, Michigan (USA),
   March 22-25, 2001
    

8. “The Practice of Spiritual Direction”
   A three-day seminar for the faculty of St. Peter’s
   Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore (NB: They are professors of theology and philosophy involved in the theological education of over 400 future priests and other church
   leaders.)
   Venue: Bangalore (India),
   November 2000.
    

9. “If you want: The Essential choices in Life.”
   Group: Talk to the staff and students of Christian Medical College, Vellore
   Venue: Vellore (Tamilnadu, India),
   August 2000
    

10. “Sources of Strength and Meaning”
    Group: The staff of Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore
    Venue: Vellore (Tamilnadu, India),
    August 2000
     

11. “Community Life, with special reference to the Eucharist”
    Group: Directors of the Salesian Institutions
    Venue: Tiruchirappally (India)
    July 2000
     

12. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”
    Group: Seminar open to all
    Venue: St. Joseph Church, Waltham, Massachusetts,
    May 2000
     

13. “Emotional Maturity of Young Priests”:
    Course for the Salesian deacons of India.
    Venue: Chennai,
    October, 1998; 1998.
     

14. “Learning to Forgive”:
    Seminar open to all
    St. Theresa’s Church, San Gabriel, California;
    1998.
     

15. “Learning to Forgive”:
    Seminar open to all
    Venue: St. Joseph Center, Waltham, Massachusetts;
    1998.
     

16. “Spirituality Today”:
    Seminar open to all
    Venue: St. Joseph Center, Waltham, Massachusetts;
    1998.
     

17. “Christian Presence and Leadership in a Multi-religious Context”:
    Seminar for the college administrators and teaching staff
    Group: Religious from different orders and lay women and men involved in higher education.
    Venue: Assumption College, Osaka, Japan;
    1996.
     

18. “The Contemplative Dimension of Religious Life”:
    How do we understand contemplation? How to keep it alive in the midst of an active life?
    Group: Assumption Sisters.
    Venue: Assumption College, Osaka, Japan;
    1995.
     

19. “Elements of a Spirituality for Today”:
    The integration of inner experience, loving relationships and social responsibility as the marks of a realistic spirituality for today. The implications at the level of social justice, ecology, and community participation.
    Group: Clergy and religious.
    Venue: The Citadel, Madras, India;
    1994.
     

20. “Counseling, Spiritual Direction and Confession: Similarities and Differences”:
    A seminar for religious and priests.
    Group: Clergy and religious.
    Venue: The Citadel, Madras, India;
    1994.
     

21. “Learning to Love, Learning to Forgive”:
    A look at these two central requirements of the Christian life, with real life examples from contemporary life.
    Group: Clergy and religious.
    Venue: The Citadel, Madras, India;
    1994.
     

22. “Spirituality and Psychological Maturity”:
    A seminar for religious.
    Group: Assumption Sisters.
    Venue: Assumption College, Osaka, Japan;
    1994.
     

23. “Paths to Joyful Living”:
    Ways of living joyfully and meaningfully. The use of
    guided meditation. Respecting our individual gifts. Learning from Jesus’ life.
    Group: An ecumenical Group.
    Venue: Spiritual Renewal Centre, Ballygowan, Northern Ireland;
    1993.
     

24. "Wholeness and Holiness":
    Starting from the position that the whole of our life (not just a special part of it is sphere of holiness, we look at some of the central experiences of life that seem to become ‘trouble spots’ for our psycho-spiritual journey: critical thinking, sexuality, involvement in public life, emotions, pain, the hard task of forgiveness, aging and death.
    Group: Clergy, religious and lay persons.
    Venue: Mount Saint Joseph, Brighton, Massachusetts;
    1991.
     

25. “Reflection Day”:
    Talks, reflection and personal meetings with the students of Boston College.Group: Students of Boston College.
    Venue: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts;
    1991.
     

26. "Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying":
    Guided meditation and prayer, with explanations and answers to questions. The impact of Eastern ways of meditating.
    Group: Clergy, religious and lay persons.
    Venue: Mount Saint Joseph, Brighton, Massachusetts;
    1990.
     

27. "Seven Paths to Ecstasy":
    Seven paths to joyful living available to all of us: Talks and guided exercises.
    Group: Clergy, religious and lay persons; 1989.
    Venue: Mount Saint Joseph, Brighton, Massachusetts.
     

28. "Living from the Heart of God":
    Finding meaning (and God) in the midst of our daily life and daily struggles.
    Group: Clergy, religious and lay persons.
    Venue: Mount Saint Joseph, Brighton, Massachusetts;
    1988
     

29. “Some practical issues in living a spiritual life”:
    Questions people have. Some ways and means for finding spiritual sustenance.
    Group: Grown-ups and youth.
    Venue: Assumption Center, Bowman, Merion, Pennsylvania;
    1985.
     

30. “Spirituality: Eastern and Western Approaches”:
    On the meaning of spirituality and the multiplicity of paths. The approaches considered included: the optimism and critical intelligence of Thomas Aquinas,
    the humanism of Francis of Sales, the youth spirituality of Don Bosco, the Little Way of Therese of Lisieux, the insights of classical Hindu seers, Mahatma Gandhi’s way of holiness in the political arena, the witness of Etty Hillesum.
    Group: Catholics enrolled in adult education.
    Venue: Belmont, Massachusetts;
    1985.
     

►  For Catholic Clergy and Members of Religious Orders

2003-2008: See above
1990-2002:

1. “Internalization of the Formation Process”:
   Talks to the rectors of the Catholic Major Seminaries of India.
   Venue: Bangalore;
   September 20-22, 2002.
    

2. “Psycho-Sexual Integration and Celibacy”:
   A seminar for superiors of religious orders and formators.
   Venue: Bangalore;
   August 22-24, 2002.
    

3. “Emotional Development and Our Journey to God”:
   A seminar for formators of religious orders.
   Venue: Eluru (A.P.), India;
   August 17-18, 2002.
    

4. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
   A seminar for clergy and religious.
   Venue: Shillong,
   May 11-12, 2002.
    

5. “Spiritual Direction and Counselling:
   A Seminar for Superiors and Formators”
   Venue: Shillong,
   May 6-11, 2002
    

6. “The Contemplative Life Today”:
   Talks to the Members of the General Chapter of the OCD Fathers.
   Venue: Bangalore,
   April 15, 2002.
    

7. “Issues Affecting Religious Life Today”:
   Talks to the Members of the General Chapter of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI Fathers).
   Venue: Bangalore,
   April 4, 2002.
    

8. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
   A seminar for the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo.
   Venue: Yellagiri (S. India),
   March 9-11, 2002
    

9. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
   A seminar for superiors and formators.
   Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
   February 28-March 2, 2002
    

10. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
    A seminar for junior priests of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI Fathers).
    Venue: Pariyaram (Kerala),
    January 14-16, 2002
     

11. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
    A seminar for the Missionaries of Charity (Brothers).
    Venue: Mysore,
    November 30-December 2, 2001
     

12. “Life and Ministry of Priests Today”:
    Talk to the priests of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore in preparation for the Archdiocesan Synod.
    Venue: Sathuvachari,
    November 13-14 and 20-21, 2001
     

13. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
    A seminar for the major superiors and formators of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI Fathers).
    Venue: Bangalore,
    October 20-21, 2001
     

14. “Counselling Youth: Issues, Methods, Approaches”:
    A talk at the national meeting of Salesian formators and vocation promoters.
    Venue: Chennai,
    October 17, 2001
     

15. 15. “Being Church Today: Issues in the Lives of Priests”:
    Talk to the priests of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore.
    Venue: Chennai,
    October 3, 2001
     

16. “Issues Affecting Religious Life Today”:
    A seminar for the members of the Provincial Chapter of the Canossian Sisters.
    Venue: Bangalore,
    September 1-2, 2001
     

17. “Celibacy and Psycho-sexual Maturity”:
    A seminar for superiors and formators.
    Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
    August 29-31, 2001
     

18. “Ways of Meditating, Ways of Praying”:
    A course at the Summer Institute.
    Venue: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago,
    June 11-15, 2001
     

19. “Elements of a Realistic Spirituality for Today”:
    A course at the Summer Institute.
    Venue: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago,
    June 4-8, 2001
     

20. “Celibacy and Psycho-Sexual Maturity”:
    Seminar for superiors and formators;
    Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
    April 8-18, 2001
     

21. “Handling Negative Emotions (Fear, Jealousy, Hurts)”:
    A Seminar for clergy and members of religious orders.
    Venue: Chennai,
    March 18, 2001
     

22. “Learning to Love, Learning to Forgive”:
    A seminar for clergy and members of Religious Orders.
    Venue: Chennai,
    March 11, 2001
     

23. “Theories of Psychological Development and Religious Formation”:
    A seminar for the major superiors and formators of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM Sisters).
    Venue: Bangalore,
    February 23-25, 2001
     

24. “Religious Life and the Role of Chapters”:
    Talk to the Members of the General Chapter of the Brothers of St. John of God.
    Venue: Chennai,
    February 21, 2001
     

25. “Spirituality for Today”:
    A seminar for the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo,
    Venue: Yellagiri, S. India;
    February 15-17, 2001
     

26. “The Formator as an Integrated Person”
    Seminar for the Major superiors and formators of the Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo
    Venue: Chennai (India),
    November 2000
     

27. “Sexuality, Celibacy and the Religious Quest”
    Seminar for the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s Brothers)
    Venue: Vijayawada (India),
    November 2000
     

28. “Emotional Development and Celibacy”
    Seminar for a Group of Catholic deacons
    Venue: Bangalore (India),
    October 2000
     

29. “Clergy and Issues of Emotional Development”
    Seminar for Catholic priests ordained in the past five years
    Venue: Chennai (India),
    September 2000
     

30. “Challenges Facing Religious Life Today”
    Seminar for the Superiors of the Religious of the Assumption
    Venue: Assumption College, Mino, Osaka (Japan),
    May 2000
     

31. “Human Sexuality and Celibacy”
    Seminar for Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny
    Venue: Pondicherry,
    April 2000
     

32. “Issues Facing Religious Today”
    Seminar for the Conference of Religious of India, Hyderabad Unit
    Venue: Hyderabad,
    April 2000
     

33. “Human Sexuality and Celibacy”
    Seminar for superiors of religious orders
    Venue: Bangalore,
    March 2000
     

34. “Elements of a Realistic Spirituality for Today”
    Three-day seminar for the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo
    Venue: Yellagiri (Tamilnadu),
    March 2000
     

35. “Human Sexuality and Celibacy”
    Talks to a Group of 150 priests and religious
    Venue: Chennai,
    February 2000
     

36. “Elements of Religious Leadership”:
    Talks to the superiors of the Good Shepherd Sisters.
    Venue: Bangalore,
    February 2000
     

37. “Human Sexuality and Celibacy”:
    Talks to clergy and religious
    Venue: Hyderabad,
    January 2000.
     

38. “Human Sexuality and Celibacy”:
    Course for superiors of religious orders from various Asian countries.
    Venue: DBYP, Bangalore, India;
    1999.
     

39. “Prayer: What, Why, How.”
    Seminar for Salesian Superiors of the Asian provinces
    Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
    1998.
     

40. “Community Life Today.”
    Seminar for Salesian Superiors of the Asian provinces.
    Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
    1998.
     

41. “The Challenges Facing Religious Life Today”:
    Seminar for the Provincial Chapter members
    of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
    Venue: St. Patrick’s, Madras, India,
    1997.
     

42. “Team building and clarifying the role of the religious superior”:
    Seminar for the five provincials of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in India.
    Venue: Madras,
    1996.
     

43. “Community Life”:
    The elements of community life, problems, challenges, new questions. For the Conference of Religious of India, Madras unit.
    Venue: Cultural Academy, Madras;
    1995.
     

44. “Human Sexuality and Affectivity”:
    Workshop for formators of religious orders and seminaries.
    Venue: National Vocation Service Centre, Poona,
    1994 and 1995
     

45. “The Human and Spiritual Challenges of Mid-Life”:
    Seminar for the Salesian priests of the 40-49 age Group.
    Venue: The Citadel, Madras, India,
    1994.
     

46. “Religious Life and Religious Vows Today”:
    Seminar for men and women religious.
    Venue: The Citadel, Madras, India,
    1994.
     

47. “Psycho-sexual Development and Celibacy”:
    Workshop for the Jesuit novice masters of India and Sri Lanka.
    Venue: Satyodayam, Secunderabad,
    India; 1994.
     

48. “Renewal in Religious Life:”
    Three 3 day programs for all the members of one Indian province of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel.
    Venue: Yercaud, South India;
    1994.
     

49. “Human Sexuality and Affectivity”:
    Workshop for major superiors and formators of religious orders.
    Venue: Sadhana Institute, Lonavla, India,
    1993.
     

50. “Introductory Sessions on Spiritual Direction”:
    Workshop for new superiors of religious communities.
    Venue: Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini, Bangalore,
    1993.
     

51. “Leadership, Secular and Religious”:
    Talk to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (USA), Boston unit.
    Venue: Boston,
    1990.

►  Television Talks (On Jeevan TV):
(From August 2002)

1. “God’s Personal Love for Us”

2. “The Secret of Happiness”

3. “Forgiveness: Its Meaning and Practice”

4. “Finding God, and Finding Strength.”